Vaginitis - How To Detect It?

Vaginitis is the term which is used to refer to the inflammation of the vagina. In most of the cases, vaginitis occurs as a result of an infection of the vagina. The infection caused by vaginitis can result in discharge, pain and itching. Vaginitis can also be caused by non-infectious causes. Vaginitis is often caused because of an infection caused by yeast or bacteria. But it can also happen due to chemical or physical irritation. Some STDs cause vaginitis but not all the causes for vaginitis are related to STDs.

A reduction in the levels of estrogen after menopause can also cause vaginitis. The most common types of vaginitis are known as Bacterial vaginosis, Yeast infections and Trichomoniasis. Vaginitis is common in women who are in their reproductive years. It usually happens if there is a change in the balance of yeast or bacteria that are usually found in the vagina. If left untreated then it can cause complications. The risk of complications is greater in pregnant women. In severe cases it can also cause premature delivery, postpartum infections, increased vulnerability to HIV infection and even infertility.

Symptoms
There are many symptoms of vaginitis.

1. Some of the most common symptoms of vaginitis is irritation or itching of the genital area.
2. The itching can also lead to skin infections. The labia majora, labia minora and the perineal area can become inflamed.
3. There is vaginal discharge also.
4. Another common symptom is foul odor from the vagina. During sexual intercourse, there can also be pain or irritation in the vagina.
5. Another very painful symptom of vaginitis is painful urination as the woman may suffer pain while passing out urine.
6. There can also be light vaginal bleeding or even spotting.
7. If the cause of vaginitis is yeast infection then there will be a thick, white discharge from the vagina.
8. This discharge can be watery and in most cases have no smell.
9. Yeast infections will usually cause itchiness and make the vagina and vulva red.

Diagnosis
Diagnosis of vaginitis is based on the symptoms of the woman.

1. Diagnosis is made after a microscopy and culture of the discharge after a careful physical examination takes place.
2. Oral antibiotics, injections and antibiotics are used to treat vaginitis.
3. Creams are also prescribed which are put inside the vagina.
4. Estrogen creams are also prescribed for the treatment of this infection by medical practitioners.
5. If the infection is caused by an allergy then the product causing the allergy has to be figured and its use has to be stopped immediately.